The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Yemen. This includes the mainland and all islands. You are strongly urged to leave immediately.

The security situation in Yemen has continued to deteriorate over recent days. Due to increased risk, diplomatic staff have been withdrawn and the operations of the British embassy in Sana’a temporarily suspended. This means that the embassy isn’t able to provide consular assistance. You can contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at any time by calling +44 (0) 20 7008 1500.

The British government will not be able to evacuate you if you remain in Yemen against this advice. If you do choose to remain you should minimise movement around the country and within cities and towns and follow the other precautions in this travel advice.

Sana’a International Airport remains open to both international and domestic commercial flights. International flights are also operating out of Aden International Airport. Airlines continue to monitor the situation closely and may delay or cancel flights with little or no notice. Check with your airline before you travel to the airport.

There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Yemen and specific methods of attack are evolving and increasing in sophistication. Terrorists continue to threaten further attacks. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has previously targeted western interests and Houthis, and there could be a threat to commercial sites, transport infrastructure, diplomatic missions and any place where westerners or Houthis gather.

There is a very high threat of kidnap from armed tribes, criminals and terrorists. In 2014, a number of foreign nationals were kidnapped, and groups actively continue to target westerners. In February and March 2014, there were at least 3 separate kidnap attempts against well-protected westerners.

On 21 September 2014 the Government of Yemen and the Houthi-led Ansar Allah party signed a Peace and National Partnership Agreement to end Houthi aggression towards the capital. Since then the Houthis have occupied key positions, including government ministries, in Sana’a and established their presence in governorates to the south, east and west of Sana’a including Hodeida, Dhamar, al Bayda and Marib. This has led to significant armed clashes between Houthi forces and other armed groups, including AQAP and tribes.

On 19 January, fighting broke out between the Presidential Guard and Houthis near the Presidential Palace. On 22 January the President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet resigned. On 6 February, the Houthis announced the immediate dissolution of Parliament. The political situation is extremely volatile and fluid, and the threat of further escalation of violence and disorder across the country remains. In response to the instability in Sana’a, southern secessionists have increased their protests and activity in Aden. Demonstrations could occur at short notice across Yemen and may well turn violent

Houthis continue to man checkpoints in Sana’a and other parts of the country, several of which are manned by armed children. AQAP continue to target Houthi checkpoints, and Houthis in general. Since October 2014, there have been a number of large-scale attacks on Houthis. See Terrorism

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See Sea travel